Anthony Tucker finishes his Hawkeye career in style

Anthony Tucker has asked for and been granted his release from his scholarship, the University of Iowa announced Friday.

Tucker, a 6’4″ guard from Minnesota, battled academic difficulties and off-court problems involving alcohol, leading to multiple suspensions and near-dismissals.

Iowa Men’s Basketball fans have dealt with this sort of thing all too frequently in recent years. Dismissals, transfers, and other bizarre events have decimated the Iowa program.

Tucker was one of the few somewhat heralded recruits to land at Iowa during Todd Lickliter’s tenure. He was suspended indefinitely in December after being charged with public intoxication following an incident involving a cab driver. Police said Tucker “had trouble forming logical sentences and repeated himself frequently.” Tucker plead guilty to the charge.

Lickliter reinstated Tucker in late January and appeared close to re-inserting him into the lineup. A source close to ToTheTin.com said Tucker was slated to return in Wednesday’s game against Northwestern, but he never got off the bench.

Tucker’s departure means that 10 players with eligibility remaining have now left the Iowa program under Lickliter. That’s simply amazing.

Like many players in Lickliter era,Tucker showed little improvement and didn’t have much potential. Unlike most players under Lickliter, he had a bad attitude and appeared to hurt team chemistry.

Incoming freshman Ben Brust should easily fill the shooting void left by Tucker. For now, Iowa fans will have to spend a few more weeks watching little John Lickliter.